Crying Lightning

Lore & Background

The recording sessions took place during a period of intense scrutiny following their meteoric rise, forcing the group to prove they were more than a fleeting phenomenon. By incorporating diverse instrumentation and experimenting with song structures, the band crafted a record that felt both intimate and expansive. This era is often viewed by fans as the moment the group stopped looking outward at the nightlife scene and began turning inward, examining their own internal landscapes and the changing world around them.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the studio windows in London, blurring the city lights into streaks of neon gray. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of old tea and cigarette smoke as the band huddled around a piano that had seen better days. Alex strummed a chord that hung heavy in the silence, no longer the frantic energy of a basement gig but something slower, heavier, like a storm rolling over the North Sea. They weren't just writing songs about the night anymore; they were capturing the quiet dread of the morning after, the moment when the music stops and reality rushes back in.

Reader's Guide

Released in April 2009, Crying Lightning debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, continuing the band's streak of commercial dominance. The album features twelve tracks that blend garage rock with acoustic ballads and psychedelic flourishes. Key songs include the title track, which opens with a haunting piano melody, and 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala,' an upbeat anthem about a chaotic night out.

Production duties were shared by James Ford and James Walbourne, who helped refine the band's sound without stripping away its raw edge. The record received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its maturity and sonic diversity compared to their debut. While some fans initially missed the frantic energy of earlier work, many now regard it as a crucial evolution in the group's discography.

The album was supported by an extensive world tour that solidified their status as global headliners. Live performances during this era often featured extended instrumental sections and a more dynamic stage presence. Ultimately, Crying Lightning proved that the band could evolve artistically while maintaining their core identity.

Did You Know?

• The album was recorded in London rather than Sheffield, marking a departure from their usual local studio environment.
• It became the fastest-selling debut of 2009 in the UK upon its release.
• The title track features one of the few piano-led openings in the band's early catalog.
• Several songs on the album were written during a period when the band members were living together in London.